Deputy Head of the Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia, Mikheil Chokoshvili, participated in the annual international forum organized in Tashkent by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in cooperation with the Customs Committee of Uzbekistan.

The forum, held within the framework of UNODC`s Global Passenger and Cargo Control Programme (PCCP), brought together member countries of the Inter-Regional Network (IREN) of Joint Customs and Port Control Units. This year`s event marked the 11th annual meeting and was attended by senior representatives of customs administrations from participating countries.

The objective of the international forum was to assess the operational achievements and challenges encountered during the implementation of the programme and to define strategic priorities for regional cooperation. Particular attention was given to strengthening risk management mechanisms, facilitating legitimate trade, and reducing the need for enforcement measures through enhanced cooperation with the business community.

The annual working meeting was also attended by Mindia Grzelidze, Deputy Head of the International Relations Department of the Revenue Service, together with senior officials from customs administrations of various countries.

It is worth noting that during 2025–2026, the Customs Department of the Revenue Service prevented the transit of 905 kg of heroin, 103 kg of methamphetamine, and 434,000 packs of illicit, non-excise cigarettes through the territory of Georgia. The Customs Department of the Revenue Service will continue to strengthen its cooperation with law enforcement agencies both domestically and internationally.